While living in California, very seldom would I have to explain my no card philosophy. Many of my friends and colleagues do not use cards either. Some make cards exclusively out of biodegradable non-processed materials. Some made edible cards or cards that could double as bottle openers or seed packets. I believe that cards are an information medium destined for retirement.

5 Reasons I Don’t Use Business Cards

Minimalism

Personally, my choice to not use cards stems from a sense of minimalism. I have lived in many alternative home styles, from boats to cabanas and beyond. I enjoy simplicity and low upkeep. My no-card-philosophy is an extension of my minimalist inclination. Minimalism is can be seen in my designs, workspaces, and living spaces. If a client does not enjoy minimalism, they are less likely to appreciate my work. Thus, perhaps the said client’s business may not align with my values and messaging. I advise you not to work with businesses who don’t share your values.

Conservation

My dedication to minimalism also pairs inherently with my conservation efforts. A minimalist lifestyle tends to generate less trash. In the digital age, we can literally keep an entire library of entertainment, education, etc. in a sim card smaller than a penny. There is little need to carry around much. Meanwhile, we are somehow producing more trash than ever. Some call it progress. I think it’s more complicated. Technology alone will never solve problems.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

My SEO is on point. Try and Google search for my name. Go ahead try it. You will find me quickly. Thus if a client needs me, they can type my name into a Google search and my face will appear right in front of them. It’s like magic. I teach businesses how to make themselves available through web searches. If I was not proficient in Search Engine Optimization for myself, how much less credible would that make me to prospective clientele? Furthermore, having people find me through a search engine improves my search engine rankings. If they were to call or text me directly, Google misses out on indications that my site is valuable. Speaking of value, my site is bustling with high-value content that will benefit future associates while leaving a positive impression. Because cards will lead prospective clients to text, email, or call me, cards actually decrease the traffic to my site.

Alternatives are Abundant

I don’t need to take the time to list out ways to exchange contact information, but the methods are endless. If I am going to be working with a business, a big part of what I do is teaching others how to switch out ineffective behavior for effective behavior. If a prospective client is unwilling to accommodate my values, perhaps they will not be a good fit for my services. Perhaps I will get more pushback later, and less will be accomplished in general. Thus, if someone is deterred by my philosophy on cards, they are likely to push back when I will take their business in a new direction.

Some People Don’t Want Cards

I don’t want your card so it’s safe to say I’m not alone when I don’t think others want my card. Many digitally minded folk will flinch at the thought of creating unnecessary trash that will ultimately end up in a landfill. Thus, by having a card, I would be indicating that I was part of a group that I am not part of. I am not in the card club therefore, using a card would be misleading.

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Hopefully, I have done a decent job at explaining my position on cards. If you disagree with me, please let me know in the comments. What do you think about this post? I leave you now with one of my favorite card related cinema scenes from American Psycho. Aloha!